Hundreds of termite species are found across the globe, but the most common one in Langhorne is the Eastern Subterranean termite. Any termite that is classified as subterranean is specifically adapted to cause enormous amounts of damage to man-made structures.
Huge underground colonies and razor-sharp jaws are two of the leading characteristics of this species. Whenever members of these colonies leave their nest, they eat wood without ceasing on a 24/7 basis.
Subterranean termites are not only common in the local region. They also are the most common termites in the country. Found in 49 states, only Alaska is so far immune to being bothered by these pests. While these termites live underground, they will venture out to eat wooden buildings such as garages, sheds, barns, homes, office buildings and more.
One of the most frequently seen signs of a subterranean termite infestation is the presence of mud tunnels on the exterior of the building or in the soil. These tunnels are essential for protecting the termites from exposure to the sun, which dries them out, and predators that are looking for a meal. If they are not stopped, it is possible for a colony of subterranean termites to completely destroy a building.
Termites do much of their most damaging work in basements, crawl spaces and other portions of buildings that may not be visited by people on a regular basis. Accordingly, it is possible for a colony to wreak havoc in a building before their presence has even been discovered.
Preventative measures are critical if property owners want to protect themselves from termite infestations. Regular inspections that are performed by licensed technicians can stop infestations before they begin or catch them in the early stages so that the damage is minimized.
WHAT DO TERMITES LOOK LIKE?
Known as social insects because they live in sizable colonies, termites are divided into several castes that fulfill certain functions. Workers, soldiers and reproductives make up the three main castes.
Workers are creamy white in color, but they are not frequently seen unless a piece of infested wood or a mud tunnel is broken open. Large heads, translucent bodies and darker-colored jaws are characteristics of the workers. Most members of this caste are only about one-eighth of an inch long.
Soldiers are slightly larger, with the heads being even bigger than the workers' heads. Their coloring tends to be yellowish or dark brown, and they are equipped with a set of powerful pincers that help them to defend the colony.
Reproductives, which also may be referred to as swarmers, frequently are the first warning that property owners receive about an ongoing termite infestation. This is because the swarmers are equipped with wings. They fly out of the nest in the spring to mate. Typically dark brown or black, reproductives have two pairs of wings that are the same length. These pests may be mistaken for swarming carpenter ants, but the ants have pairs of wings that are not the same length. Moreover, they have a slimmer waist than termite swarmers.
WHAT DO TERMITES EAT?
Termites of this species build nests that are close to food sources. Since they eat only wood, especially wood that is in contact with or close to soil, this means that termite nests are found in proximity to buildings that are made of wood or have wooden components. The pests feed on wooden posts, window frames, window sills, joist, subflooring and staircases. No interest is shown in consuming or infesting food that is intended for people or pets.
WHERE DO TERMITES LIVE?
Termites in Langhorne and elsewhere do not fare well when they are exposed to the elements. Accordingly, it is crucial for them to build nests that are close to a man-made structure or other food source. This necessitates the construction of mud tubes to get from the nest to the food and back again. Of course, it is more convenient and expedient to have the nest and the food source as close to each other as possible.
As the name of their species suggests, these termites prefer to live underground. Typically, the soil needs to be moist, and the nest may be located at between four and 18 inches below the ground's surface. Within the nest are multiple galleries, which are interconnected with a series of tunnels.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY TERMITES
Sometimes, the destruction that this species causes is evident. These signs may include wood that is buckling or a ceiling or floor that is swollen. Some people may think that a portion of a building looks as if it has suffered some minor water damage. When no leak is discovered, it is a virtual certainty that termites are responsible for the issue. Furniture or walls may show maze-like constructions on their exteriors or interiors.
Of course, these are only the outward signs of a termite infestation. Most of the damage occurs in places where it cannot be readily seen. Colonies of these pests can contain as many as one million members. Workers in a colony such as this are capable of consuming as much as 15 pounds of wood every week. Accordingly, it is possible for termites to completely destroy the foundation and support beams of a building as well as plastic pipes, insulation and any other structures of items that contain some portion of wood or paper.
ARE TERMITES AGGRESSIVE?
Although they have aggressive appetites for wood, subterranean termites are not precisely an aggressive species. Both workers and soldiers are equipped to bite and will do so. However, they will not go out of their way to confront people. A person who accidentally uncovers a nest or a feeding site may get bitten if they interfere with the pests, but these are rare circumstances.
DO TERMITES CARRY DISEASE?
It is possible for some termites to carry diseases such as polio, dysentery, gastroenteritis and typhus. Fortunately, because people and termites rarely come into physical contact, the chances of transmitting these illnesses are remote. People may be affected by termite feces, which can contaminate indoor air to cause asthma and a variety of respiratory ailments.
HOW TO DETECT TERMITES
Signs of a termite infestation include:
• Drywall that droops or is discolored • Peeling paint on walls or ceilings • Surfaces in the building appear to have slight water damage • Tapping on wood produces a hollow sound • Tiles are loosened on floors or walls • Floorboards have become excessively squeaky • Doors or windows are stuck and refuse to open • Piles of wings are found outside around the foundation • Swarms of flying insects are observed
HOW TO PREVENT TERMITES
To help prevent termite issues the following steps should be taken:
• Do not allow wood to contact the soil anywhere on the property • Do not permit moisture to accumulate around the building's foundation • Find ways to reduce humidity and moisture in crawl spaces and basements • Do not store lumber or firewood against a foundation or within a crawlspace
HOW WE TREAT FOR TERMITES
Newtown Termite & Pest Control is a certified Termidor® exterminator. We utilize the nation's #1 termiticide when treating homes or businesses. Our technicians apply the product to the exterior of the structure. Once applied, Termidor® becomes undetectable and begins killing termites by contact and indigestion.
Independent testing conducted by the USDA detected no termite damage in concrete slab structures treated with Termidor® 80 WG for more than 15 years following the treatment.
For effective termite extermination our experienced technicians apply the Termidor along the foundation or exterior of the home or business.
Once applied, the termiticide blends into the soil and is transferred to termites as they come in contact with the agent. The termiticide is also transferred among the termite colony as infected termites come in contact with other termites. Termidor kills termites both by ingestion as well as by contact.
Our termite control treatment service will terminate an existing termite infestation and protect against future occurrences.
OUR TERMITE TREATMENT WARRANTY
Area homes and businesses have been trusting Newtown Termite & Pest Control. since 1993. We are a family owned and managed pest control provider, with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Combined, our certified, company-trained technicians have over 50 years of field experience.
Our termite control treatment service will terminate an existing termite infestation and protect against future occurrences.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control we stand behind our work with our renewable, transferable, triple guarantee:
1: If, within one year of your first treatment, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we will retreat your home for FREE.
2: If, during the first five years of your service contract, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we will retreat your home for FREE.
3: If, during the first five years or any year thereafter, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we'll retreat for FREE ... EVEN IF YOU SELL THE HOME!
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TERMITE INSPECTION?
Industry experts agree that the first step in effective termite control is to have your home or business undergo a full termite inspection at least every two to three years.
That is because termites, often referred to as the "silent destroyers" can go unnoticed until visible damage occurs.
Having your Langhorne area home or business professionally inspected by a certified technician is the best way to help detect the presence of termites and prevent extensive damage.
